MDC encourages people to help prevent wildfires

MDC Forester Sam Jewett stands on the bulldozer he uses to fight wildfires.

Low humidity and dry conditions can create environment favorable to wildfires.

JEFFERSON CITY Mo – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Forestry Division reminds people that a combination of low humidity and dry conditions this time of year can create an environment favorable to dangerous wildfires. Each year, MDC staff work with fire departments around the state to help suppress thousands of wildfires that can consume tens-of-thousands of acres.

According to MDC’s Forestry Division, the main cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as trash and brush piles. The Department urges landowners, hunters, campers, and others in the outdoors to help prevent wildfires and offers the following tips.  

Outdoor Burning 

• Do not conduct outdoor burning during times when grasses, brush and other fire fuel are very dry, humidity is low and weather is windy. 
• Dry fuel combined with high temperatures, low humidity and high winds make fire nearly impossible to control. 
• Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans and local ordinances.
• A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause.
• For more information on using prescribed fire as a land-management tool, visitwww.mdc.mo.gov and search “Prescribed Fire.”

Driving Off Road

• Wildfires can start when fine, dry fuel such as grass comes in contact with catalytic converters on motor vehicles.
• Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field.
• Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle.
• When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent.
• Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road.
• Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts.

Making a Campfire

• Clear a generous zone around fire rings. When humidity is low and wind is high, debris can become tinder for a stray spark or ember.
• Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire.
• Never use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquid to start a fire.
• Keep campfires small and controllable.
• Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel and bucket of water, close by.
• Never leave a campfire unattended! Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even for a few moments.

Smokers: Practice Extra Caution

• Extinguish cigarettes completely and safely and dispose of butts responsibly.

Don't Delay Calling for Help!

• Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

Report Forest Arson

• Many wildfires are set by vandals.
• Help stop arson by calling Operation Forest Arson at 800-392-1111. Callers will remain anonymous and rewards are possible.

DID YOU KNOW: In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, MDC provided more than $367,000 in grants to 186 volunteer fire departments last year for protective clothing, equipment, and training. The Department also obtained more than $5 million in equipment from federal government programs for volunteer fire departments in the state, and provided wildland fire-suppression training to more than 250 Missouri firefighters.

For more information on preventing wildfires, go online to mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire/wildfire-prevention.

Help stop arson wildfires

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Clinton, Mo. – Wildfires that authorities believe were set by arsonists caused damage and danger in Henry and St. Clair counties in recent weeks, said Josh Shroyer, a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) resource forester based in Clinton. MDC helps community fire departments battle wildfires. In the past week, 20 fires suspected to have been caused by arson have occurred on public and private land near the Harry S Truman Reservoir in Henry County, Shroyer said.

   Authorities ask that citizens report any suspicious activity that could be related to deliberately set fires. Information can be reported anonymously to the Operation Forest Arson hotline: 800-392-1111. Rewards are available for information leading to arrests and convictions of arsonists.

   Wildfire poses danger to people, structures and wildlife habitat. No injuries or structure loss were reported from the recent fires, Shroyer said. But wildfires have the potential to do great harm and battling blazes in forests and fields costs money and puts people at risk.

   “Wildfire risks the lives of fire fighters and the public,” he said.

   Low humidity and windy conditions have heightened wildfire danger in recent weeks. Plus there is ample fuel on wild lands from dead vegetation or shrubs and trees still mostly dormant from winter.

   More than 1,000 acres have burned in the past week, Shroyer said. In 2014, crews have battled about 50 fires in Henry and St. Clair counties that have burned about 3,000 acres in the Truman Reservoir area.

   For more information on the Operation Forest Arson Hotline: http://mdc.mo.gov/node/3704

Conservation Commission honors firefighters

Ozark Gateway Fire Chiefs Association recognized with proclamation at Missouri Conservation Commission March meeting in Branson.

BRANSON, Mo. – Wildfire control involves more than putting out fires. Effective fire

suppression involves proactive programs as well as quick reactive measures. In the southwest corner of the state, the Ozark Gateway Fire Chiefs Association has long recognized that educational programs are just as effective fire-fighting tools as water hoses and shovels.

This group, which is comprised 36 fire departments in nine counties in southwest Missouri, was recognized with a proclamation at the Missouri Conservation Commission’s March meeting in Branson on March 7. The proclamation was issued by the Conservation Commission and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Receiving the proclamation were representatives from two of the Association’s initial, and most active members: The Carthage Fire Department, which serves the City of Carthage in Jasper County and the surrounding area, and the Redings Mill Fire Protection District, a 110-square mile area covering parts of Newton and Jasper counties.

Both Carthage and Redings Mill have long been involved in Firewise Communities USA, a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) program co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Natioanl Association of State Foresters. Firewise Communities USA encourages community action that minimizes home loss to wildfire. The Redings Mill Fire Protection District had the first 10 certified Firewise communities in Missouri. The Carthage Fire Department has 12 certified Firewise communities.

Since its formation 30 years ago, the Ozark Gateway Fire Chiefs Association has assisted the Missouri Department of Conservation in wildfire prevention and suppression. The group has also helped develop community wildfire protection plans.

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MDC encourages people to help prevent wildfires

The main cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as trash and brush piles.

JEFFERSON CITY Mo -- A combination of strong winds, low humidity, dry conditions, and warming temperatures this time of year has the potential to create explosive wildfires. Each

year, Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) staff work with fire departments around the state to help suppress thousands of wildfires that can consume tens-of-thousands of acres. 

According to MDC’s Forestry Division, the main cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as trash and brush piles. The Department urges landowners, hunters, campers, and others in the outdoors to help prevent wildfires and offers the following tips.  

Outdoor Burning 

• Do not conduct outdoor burning during times when grasses, brush, and other fire fuels are very dry, humidity is low and weather is windy.
• Dry fuel, combined with high temperatures, low humidity, and high winds, makes fire nearly impossible to control. 
• Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans that may be in place, or if there is a “red flag warning.” A red flag warning is issued when there is a high risk of fire spreading rapidly because of low humidity and high winds.
• A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause.
• For more information on using prescribed fire as a land-management tool, visit mdc.mo.gov and search “Prescribed Fire.”

Driving Off Road

• Wildfires can start when fine, dry fuel such as grass comes in contact with catalytic converters on motor vehicles.
• Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field.
• Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle.
• When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent.
• Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road.
• Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts.

Making a Campfire

• Clear a generous zone around fire rings. When humidity is low and wind is high, debris can become tinder for a stray spark or ember.
• Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire.
• Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire.
• Keep campfires small and controllable.
• Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, close by.
• Never leave a campfire unattended! Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even for a few moments.

Smokers: Practice Extra Caution

• Extinguish cigarettes completely and safely and dispose of butts responsibly.

Don't Delay Calling for Help!

• Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

 Report Forest Arson

• Many wildfires are set by vandals.
• Help stop arson by calling Operation Forest Arson at 800-392-1111. Callers will remain anonymous and rewards are possible.

DID YOU KNOW: In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, MDC provided more than $354,000 in grants to 182 volunteer fire departments last year for protective clothing, equipment, and training. The Department also obtained more than $5 million in equipment from federal government programs for volunteer fire departments in the state, and provided wildland fire-suppression training to more than 400 Missouri firefighters.

For more information on preventing wildfires, go online to mdc.mo.gov/node/9409

Mark Twain National Forest Plans Spring 2013 Prescribed Fires

ROLLA, Mo. – Mark Twain National Forest’s spring 2013 prescribed fire season will begin early February 2013, weather permitting.

Prescribed fires are used primarily to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations, which helps reduce the threat of unplanned wildfires on and around National Forest lands. 

“Prescribed fires are also used to improve wildlife habitat in the Forest,” according to Mark Twain National Forest Fire Manager Jody Eberly. “Native species are adapted to fire, and in many cases actually depend on fire in order to thrive.  Managed fires help restore native habitats such as glades and woodlands, which can suffer from the encroachment of woody species.   Deer, turkeys, quail and other species benefit from the use of fire to maintain or improve the habitat they depend on. “

Eberly said prescribed burns will be carefully planned and monitored by the Forest’s Fire Management staff and will take place between early February and late April.  The ignition and timing of these prescribed burns depends on weather and vegetation meeting pre-determined conditions. 

A prescribed fire is one that is ignited by highly trained fire personnel under very specific fuel and weather conditions.   “We monitor weather and fuel conditions up to the very moment the match is lit, and if all conditions are not right, we will cancel or reschedule some of these prescribed fires to make sure we are achieving our objectives,” Eberly said.

For a schedule of upcoming Mark Twain National Forest scheduled prescribed fires, go to Fire Info

For a map showing upcoming Mark Twain National Forest scheduled prescribed fires, go to Google Maps

Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest. For more information about the Mark Twain National Forest, go to www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf or contact your local Mark Twain National Forest office.

National Forest Restricts Open Fires Due To High Fire Danger

ROLLA, Mo. – Mark Twain National Forest is restricting open fires due toheightened fire danger, drought conditions and continued hot, dry weather forecast for the next few weeks. Mark Twain National Forest Acting Forest Supervisor Teresa Chase said no open fires are permitted except within campfire rings or pedestal grills located in developed recreation areas such as campgrounds and picnic areas.

No other open fires are permitted while these restrictions are in place.

Visitors may still use propane or gas cook stoves but are asked to use caution and to not leave stoves unattended.

These restrictions are temporary and will be in effect until the Forest receives significant rainfall.

In addition to restrictions on open burning, visitors are not allowed to possess or discharge fireworks or other pyro-technic devices on Mark Twain National Forest lands.

These restrictions are intended to protect the safety of Forest visitors and area residents by preventing unintentional wildfires started from campfires not fully extinguished or fireworks landing in dry vegetation.

MDC issues immediate FIRE BAN on all conservation areas

Extreme dry conditions increase threat of wildfire so prevention is critical. JEFFERSON CITY Mo – Effective immediately, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued a FIRE BAN on all conservation areas. The fire ban includes prohibiting campfires and other open fires, including charcoal grills. The fire ban does permit the use of contained camp stoves and charcoal cooking fires in concrete or metal fire rings. The use of firewood in cooking fires is prohibited under the fire ban.
 The use of fireworks is already prohibited on conservation areas under the Wildlife Code of Missouri. “The fire ban is an effort to prevent wildfires under these extreme dry conditions,” said MDC Wildland Fire Supervisor Ben Webster. “The fire ban on all conservation areas will stay in effect until weather conditions change and we get significant rain.” The U.S Forest Service and numerous counties and communities have also issued fire bans. 
 

Webster also urges people to use caution when driving off road.

“Wildfires can start when fine, dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters on motor vehicles,” he explained.  “Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts.”

He urges smokers to practice extra caution. “Extinguish cigarettes completely and safely,” he said. “And dispose of butts responsibly.”

Webster added that people should call 911 at the first sign of any fire getting out of control, and should call Operation Forest Arson at 800-392-1111 if they see or suspect possible arson. Callers will remain anonymous and rewards are possible.

Be careful with fireworks to prevent wildfires

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people to be extremely careful with fireworks during this time of very dry conditions and lack of rain. MDC also urges campers and others in the outdoors to follow the precautions below to protect lives, property and Missouri’s precious forests, fish and wildlife.

Fireworks

Do not light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher and/or an available water supply to douse sparks or flames. Also wet the area around where fireworks are being discharged. Check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning.

Outdoor Burning 

Dry fuel combined with high temperatures, low humidity and wind make fire nearly impossible to control. Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans that may be in place. A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause. For more information on using prescribed fire as a land-management tool, visit mdc.mo.gov and search “Prescribed Fire.”

Driving Off Road

Wildfires can start when fine, dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters.

·        Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field.
·        Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle.
·        When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent.
·        Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road.
·        Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts.

Making a Campfire

·        Clear a generous zone around fire rings. When humidity is low and wind is high, debris can become tinder for a stray spark or ember.
·        Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire.
·        Never use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquid to start a fire.
·        Keep campfires small and controllable.
·        Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel and bucket of water, close by.

Never Leave a Campfire Unattended!

·        Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp (even if it's just for a few moments).

Smokers: Practice Extra Caution

·        Extinguish cigarettes completely and safely and dispose of butts responsibly by burning them in a controlled campfire or packing them out.

Don't Delay Call for Help!

·        Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

Report Forest Arson

Many wildfires are set by vandals. Help stop arson by calling 800-392-1111. Callers will remain anonymous and rewards are possible.

NWS issues Red Flag Warning. Be firewise to prevent wildfires.

Image via Wikipedia

JEFFERSON CITY Mo -- The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a “Red Flag Warning” for much of Missouri. According to the NWS, “This means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.” For more information, visit http://www.crh.noaa.gov/hazards/lsx

The Missouri Department of Conservation urges hunters, campers and others in the outdoors to follow these precautions to protect lives, property and our precious forests.

Getting to camp

Wildfires can start when fine, dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters.

·        Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field.

·        Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle.

·        When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent.

·        Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road.

Preparing to make your fire

·        Clear a generous zone around fire rings. When humidity is low and wind is high, debris can become tinder for a stray spark or ember.

·        Store your unused firewood a good distance from the fire.

·        Never use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquid to start a fire.

·        Keep campfires small and controllable.

·        Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel and bucket of water, close by in case you need to quench your fire in a hurry.

Never leave a campfire unattended!

·        Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp (even if it's just for a few moments).

Practice extra caution in the field

·        If you smoke, put out your cigarettes completely. Burn them in your campfire or pack them out.

Don't delay call for help!

·        Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

Report forest arson

Many wildfires are set by vandals. You can stop arson by calling 800-392-1111. Your report will remain anonymous, and rewards are possible.

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Mark Twain National Forest’s Wild Fires Near Salem, Missouri Contained as of November 8, 2011

Image via Wikipedia

Mark Twain National Forest’s wild fires near Salem, Missouri were declared contained as of 10 am Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

“Rain over the wild fires today should result in complete control later this week,” said Mark Twain National Forest Fire Manager Jody Eberly. “Due to heavy forest fuels, it will take awhile for the wild fires to be completely out. We will continue to daily monitor the wild fire areas.”

The two contract North Carolina firefighting crews left November 7, 2011; one Type 6 engine from Shawnee National Forest is still working with Mark Twain National Forest Salem Ranger District personnel to patrol the fire areas.

Hunters participating in Missouri’s gun deer season starting Saturday, November 12, 2011 are advised to stay out of the wild fire areas because some of the trees and tree roots may have been damaged during the wild fires and may fall without warning.

“Also be careful with campfires and warming fires during the gun deer season,” Eberly said.

For maps of the wild fire areas, go to Mark Twain National Forest’s website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf

Anyone who has information about how the suspected arson wild fires were started, contact Mark Twain National Forest Salem Ranger District Office at 573-729-6656 or the toll free arson hotline at 1-800-392-1111.

Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest.  

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Mark Twain National Forest Firefighters Continue to Patrol 5,000 Acre Wild Fire Near Salem, Missouri

Image via Wikipedia

 Nov.7, 2011

SALEM, Mo. –  Mark Twain National Forest firefighters continue to patrol and check the 5,000 acre Minninghaw wild fire near Salem, Missouri.

Mark Twain National Forest Fire Management Officer Jody Eberly said rain expected over the next two days should result in totally containing the Minninghaw wild fire by Wednesday, November 9, 2011.

“By containment, I mean the likelihood of the wild fire moving across the fire containment lines will be low,” Eberly said.

Two contract firefighting crews from Asheville, North Carolina are going home November 7, 2011. They arrived November 3, 2011 to supplement Mark Twain National Forest firefighting crews.

The Minninghaw Fire, 5,025 acres in size, started November 1, 2011.  It is located in southern Dent County near the Shannon County line, approximately 7 miles west of Bunker, Missouri. 

Completed and ongoing timber sales since the May 2009 derecho, or inland hurricane, helped reduce wild fire fuels on Mark Twain National Forest’s wild fires near Salem, Missouri.

Since May 2009, when the wind event cut a 15 to 20-mile wide swath across Dent, Shannon and Reynolds counties continuing across to Fredericktown, Missouri, forest fuels significantly increased from an average 2 tons per acre to 50-100 tons per acre.

“We’ve been fortunate to work with a number of area logging operators and small lumber mills to salvage the downed wood where we can get to it,” said Mark Twain National Forest District Ranger Thom Haines. “Even with ongoing and planned future timber sales, there’s still a lot of downed wood.”

From May 2009 to November 2011, Mark Twain National Forest’s Salem Ranger District completed 12 roadside salvage projects totaling approximately 4,100 acres, with another 2,100 acres through regular salvage sales. That’s twice the district’s annual average.

“Our primary focus has been public and firefighting safety,” Haines said. “We planned timber sales within 300 feet of roadways, which provided the public with safe roads to get to their property within Mark Twain National Forest. The 300-feet timber sale areas also created breaks to help prevent fire spreading.”

Approximately half of Mark Twain National Forest’s property boundaries include private land owners.

“It’s difficult to fight fires in derecho-damaged areas,” Haines said. “There are so many large trees on and suspended above the ground that our equipment cannot get through to build fire lines. It is also extremely unsafe for our firefighters.”

Haines said several more salvage sales are planned through 2013 to remove downed wood.

Several USDA Forest Service crews and forest partners also worked for months after the May 2009 derecho clearing Forest system roads, developed recreation areas and established trails to ensure the public’s safety, including hiking, horse-back riding and ATV trails.

Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest.  

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Firefighters Work to Improve Containment Lines Around Mark Twain National Forest Fires

Nov 5, 2011  

SALEM, Mo. –Firefighters continue to improve containment lines around two large wild fires on Mark Twain National Forest lands near Salem, Missouri on the Salem Ranger District.  These wild fires are burning in heavy fuels created by the May 2009 Derecho wind event. 

Two 20-person crews brought in from outside Missouri, along with Mark Twain National Forest firefighters, are using chainsaws to cut, lop and scatter limbs and downed trees along a 60-foot wide path on the side of the containment lines where wild fires are burning.  

“The purpose of this work is to reduce fuels adjacent to containment lines that were completed on Thursday morning, November 3, 2011, around the two large fires,” said Mark Twain National Forest Salem District Ranger Thom Haines.  “We will continue to improve these containment lines over the next several days to help make sure these wild fires stay within these lines.”

The largest wild fire, the Minninghaw Fire, 5,025 acres in size, started November 1, 2011.  It is located in southern Dent County near the Shannon County line, approximately 7 miles west of Bunker, Missouri.  Approximately 25 firefighters are working this wild fire. 

The second wild fire, the West Fork Fire, 280 acres in size, started November 2, 2011.  It is located approximately 3 miles northwest of Centerville, Missouri in Reynolds County, just north of the West Fork of the Black River.  Approximately 25 firefighters are working this wild fire. 

A third wild fire, the Substation Fire, just less than 6 acres in size, has been contained.  This wild fire will continue to be patrolled and monitored by firefighting personnel. 

Currently, there are more than 50 firefighters, three bulldozers and four engines assigned to the wild fires. 

No homes are immediately threatened. 

The National Weather Service forecasts partly sunny and drier over the weekend, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 50s.  The next chance of rain is Monday. 

Additional law enforcement personnel are assigned to patrol and investigate the suspected arson fires.  

“We really need the help of the public in finding out who set these arson fires.  If anyone has any information on who set these fires, please contact us,” Haines said. 

To report information, contact Mark Twain National Forest Salem Ranger District Office at 573-729-6656 or the toll free arson hotline at 1-800-392-1111.

Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest. 

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Rains Helps Crews Fighting Wild Fires in Mark Twain National Forest Around Salem, Missouri

Image via Wikipedia

SALEM, Mo. – Rainfall November 3, 2011 is helping firefighters contain several suspected arson fires on Mark Twain National Forest lands near Salem, Missouri on Salem Ranger District. 

About ½ inch of rain November 3, 2011 fell in the vicinity of the fires, increasing leaf fall. National Weather Service forecasts show a drying trend over the weekend.

“Heavy fuels can contribute to increased intensity and extreme fire behavior, especially on days like we experienced earlier this week,” said Mark Twain National Forest Salem District Ranger Thom Haines. “We’re carefully monitoring conditions to make sure wild fires stay in their containment areas.”

The largest wild fire, the Minninghaw Fire, estimated at 5,000 acres in size, started November 1, 2011.  It is located in southern Dent County near the Shannon County line, approximately 7 miles west of Bunker, Missouri.  It is burning in heavy fuels created by the May 2009 Derecho wind event.

 As of 10:30 am Thursday, November 3, 2011, a fire line had been established around the entire fire perimeter.

Salem Ranger District had two other suspected arson wild fires on November 2, 2011; one wild fire was 5 acres, and a second wild fire approximately 310 acres in size.  Both have containment lines established around them. 

Two twenty-person hand crews, one from North Carolina and a second from Georgia, arrived November 3, 2011 and reported to Salem this morning.  These resources will provide Mark Twain National Forest additional help and afford rotation of firefighters who have been fighting the wildfires since mid-afternoon Tuesday, November 1, 2011. 

Currently, there are more than 50 firefighters, three bulldozers and four engines assigned to the wild fires. 

No homes are immediately threatened. 

Additional law enforcement personnel are assigned to patrol and investigate the wild fires.

 “We really need the help of the public.  If anyone has any information on who set these fires, please let us know,” Haines said.

To report information, contact Mark Twain National Forest Salem Ranger District Office at 573-729-6656 or the toll free arson hotline at 1-800-392-1111.

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